  | Karate kids Author: Sterling, Holly | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
Join Maya and all her friends as they get together at the dojo for their Saturday karate class!
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Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (02/01/20)
School Library Journal (04/01/20)
Booklist (05/01/20)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 PreS-K—Maya and her friends are in karate class. Maya is a beginner and has a white belt, while her friends are all at higher levels, but they all support one another, and Sterling sends a clear message about not giving up. As Maya puts it, "I can't touch my toes yet, but I stretch as far as I can go." This story will especially appeal to children in karate class because it introduces vocabulary and demonstrates the different terms with illustrations. At one point, Maya gets extra help from the teacher, or a sensei. The author, a karate champion, is passionate about her sport. At the back of the book she states, "Karate not only helps to improve fitness and flexibility, but it also teaches confidence, mindfulness, compassion, and respect. It is also a great way to make friends!" VERDICT Highly recommended for public and school libraries as an introduction to karate. This book also fosters kindness and encourages kids not to give up.—Robin Sofge, Prince William Public Library System, VA - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 05/01/2020 Not only is Sterling an accomplished writer and illustrator of children’s books, she is also a karate champion. She brings her experience and love of the sport to this endearing story of a young girl attending a beginners’ karate class. Maya wakes up excited for karate class, donning her gi (uniform) and white belt before heading out the door. At the dojo, she and her classmates warm up before moving through their exercises with their sensei. Maya and her diverse group of friends explain the vocabulary used in karate and how they end their class always with a quiet moment of breathing and centering. This inviting, informative book shows how karate can be a wonderful activity for a child. The pictures are soft, colorful, and appealing for young readers, and they often use panels to show the class in action. Sterling’s knowledge of teaching karate shines through as the sensei helps Maya when she struggles to master an exercise. This encouraging tale highlights good sportsmanship and the value of practicing the things we love. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
